Psalmopoeus irminia Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re spotlighting a jet‑black, high‑energy climber — Psalmopoeus irminia, better known as the Venezuelan Sun Tiger. With its blazing orange markings, fast reflexes, and secretive arboreal lifestyle, this tarantula is a real showpiece for keepers who love behavior over handling.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Psalmopoeus irminia
Common name: Venezuelan Sun Tiger, Sun Tiger Tarantula
Type: Arboreal / semi‑arboreal
Native to: Venezuela, Guyana (tropical forests)
Adult size: ~5.5 in diagonal leg span
Temperament: Defensive, fast, skittish, no urticating hairs
Lifespan: Females ~12 years; Males ~4 years
Experience level: Intermediate → Advanced (due to speed, defense, and arboreal needs)
Fun Fact:
Despite being arboreal, P. irminia often builds “dirt‑curtain” silk retreats at the base of its hide, blending webbing and substrate in its unique style.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, P. irminia occupies tropical forest canopies, where it builds silk retreats and uses vertical space extensively.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ¾ inches (humidity retention) of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 75-85°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 70-80% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
• Spiderlings: Very quick, skittish, and likely to retreat into web tunnels or substrate.
• Adults: Fast, defensive, and capable of quick dashes; they’ll often stay hidden in webbed bark or cavities.
• Handling: Not recommended — the speed combined with a defensive nature makes handling risky.
Observation tip:
Look for “dirt curtains” (web + substrate) around the base of cork bark or hides — this is a signature behavior for this species.
Common Challenges
Maintaining the right humidity without drowning the substrate
Providing enough vertical space and web‑anchor points
Dealing with their speed and defensive behavior (escape risk)
Not suitable for beginners: fast reflexes + potent bite potential
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Psalmopoeus irminia (Venezuelan Sun Tiger) is a stunning and behaviorally rich arboreal tarantula. Its dramatic coloration, fast reflexes, and retreat-building make it a true standout — but it’s not for the faint of heart. For keepers with experience, a tall, secure enclosure with deep substrate, proper humidity, and climbing structure will let this spider thrive. Observe rather than handle, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most active, visually impressive tarantulas in the hobby.